Shaw argued that Davis was complicit to the alleged murder, and also attempted to shoot Sankey while Sankey was inside his car, but his gun didn’t fire.

Prosecutors had also argued that the alleged murder occurred during the commission of a robbery. Hardwick dismissed that charge, stating that the jury didn’t have enough evidence to deliberate it.

“This case is very sloppy, very incomplete, and the state wants you to string together inconsistencies and have you make their case. There are gaps, and gaps represent reasonable doubt,” said Clay Benson, who also represented Davis.

The jury deliberated for about two hours after closing arguments.

“In this country we have a system where 12 people review the case and render their decision,” said Scott Green, chief of violent crimes unit for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. “And like it or not, we have to respect that.”

Benson stated that Davis was obviously pleased with the outcome.

“(Davis) looks forward to spending time with his family again. He’s been incarcerated for over two years awaiting this trial. (Nick Jones) and I are happy for him,” Benson said.